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I am trying to decide between the following hotels in Venice. Anybody have any experience/feedback? 1. Hotel Locanda Sturion 2. Hotel Villa Stella 3. Hotel Florida 4. Villa Albertina Also, any restaurant recommendations would be appreciated. Anything from cheap to expensive is ok.

Hi Kathy I've got some hotel restaurant info from my own trip and some recommendations taken from this forum, incorporated into my Venice notes. If you would like to have it, email me.

Elaine, I am going to Venice in mid June and have never traveled to Italy before. If it is not too much trouble could you copy me on the email you sent to Kathy. my email is [email protected]

Good afternoon, Kathy Here are some ristorante recommendations for Venice. DA RAFFAELE, S. Marco 2344, Ponte delle Ostreghe. $$$ about 1 1/2 block west of the Pza S. Marco. AL TEATRO, S. Marco, 1916, Compo San Fantin $$$ in the same square at the opera house La Fenice, west of the Pza S. Marco. Al Gondolier, Dorsoduro, San Vio, 366 $$$ located other side of Ponte Rialto. Le Bistrot de Venize, San Marco, 4685, Calle die Fabbri. $$$ Chat Qui It. S Marco Frezzeria, 1131 $$$ self service ristorante just west of the Pza S. Marco. Richard of La Grange Park, IL..

I rate Villa Stella high, for "niceness" and value. It is located on Lido, not in Venice. I do not recommend Lido without your being aware of its pros (lower cost) and cons (much less convenient). Locanda Sturion has always received a number of good comments all the time, except for its lack of elevator (historical authenticity precludes the installation of an elevator, from what I have read). I have previously posted comments about www.anticomartini.com for a high end restaurant, and Birreria Ai Falciami for more moderate fare. But my comments do not seem to be retrievable with the search function (searching for "birreria" or "falciami" - - is there a limit on how far back searching works?) Best wishes, Rex

I stayed at the Hotel Florida in mid April. It was very nice and extremely convienient. As you come out of the train station turn left and go about fifty meters to the first alley, they call it a road, to the left. You will see the Hotel's sign about fifteen meters down the alley. It is one of the closest hotels to the train station and of course the main boat stop. There are several small shops and bakeries within fifty meters of the hotel and directly across the bridge in front of the train station there is a street with a pizzaria on the corner,it was recommended in several guides. It was good and inexpensive. Overall, I would rate my experience in the Hotel Florida as one of my best hotel experiences in my two weeks in Italy.

You must eat at Il Marcanti in San Marco. We ate there last week and it was wonderful--excellent service and the food was delicious. Email me if you want more information.

Hi Kathy, My wife fourteen year old son and myself found a wonderful place in Venice about three weeks ago.It is called Ristorante Al Columbo (Stanziani s.r.l)San Marco 4619 Venezia.Tel:0415222627. This is truly a gem. Located off the beat and path it is a seven hundred year old building.The owner Davide Comin and his staff will make you feel at home.You can sit outside on the veranda under awnings surronded by a courtyard of stucco buildings with ivy on the walls,assorted plants and fresh flowers surrond the dinning area.Or if you choose , dine inside surronded by antiques,original oil paintings , and photographs of days gone by. Al Colombo specializes in seafood , home made pastas , and salads. Don't forget desert .Everything is brought in and prepared fresh daily. An extensive wine list and unbeleavable home made desserts. We liked it so much we went back a second night. My wife wept when we said goodbye.It was like we were saying goodbye to family. Price Range $$$ Service ***** Quality ***** This is a must try place. Tell Davide Scott & Alison said hello. And please let me know about your expierence via e-mail

Kathy, Two of those hotels ar at the Lido--is that where you want to be? Think location first. The Lido is OK with a car but not as convenient as Venice proper. If you plan to pay the prices for Locanda Sturion then look at the Bisanzio, the Flora, the Montecarlo.

We stayed at the Locanda Sturion in Oct 99. It was a splurge but well worth it. Our window looked on the Grand Canal. If we looked left, we saw the Rialto Bridge. It's a wonderful experience - one we will never forget. The stairs are numerous so pack light! My restaurant recommendation is Madonna. You will see the line at the door. It is worth the wait!

I recommend Villa Mabapa restaurant, in the hotel of the same name, where you can dine al fresco in the summer. It's gorgeous and the seafood and pasta dishes are excellent. It is located on Lido, a quiet and beautiful island not far from Mestre/San Marco. By the way, the hotel is also cosy and modern. Another good restaurant is Alfredo Alfredo, in San Marco. Hope you enjoy your trip. Best wishes, Rosa.